Mayo Clinic awards $200,000 to northwest Wisconsin nonprofits

EAU CLAIRE — Mayo Clinic Health System's grant program awarded $200,000 in grant money in an effort to improve the health of communities in the region.

“While improving the health of the populations we serve is core to our work at Mayo Clinic Health System, we are also keenly aware that we cannot do it alone,” said Randall Linton, president and CEO of Mayo Clinic Health System in northwest Wisconsin. “The Hometown Health Grant Program represents Mayo Clinic Health System’s investment in community partners as we work together to enrich the well-being of all who live in northwest Wisconsin.”

The Hometown Health Grant Program, now in its second year, opened to applicants in January 2016. New or existing programs in Barron, Buffalo, Dunn, Chippewa, Eau Claire, Pierce, St. Croix and Trempealeau counties were invited to apply.

Boys & Girls Club members will learn the basics of nutrition, fitness and personal wellness; including self-care and positive habits for personal hygiene and grooming. More than 1,000 children at centers in Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls and Menomonie are expected to benefit from this program.

Feed My People Food Bank: Produce Initiative, $20,000

This program will increase the amount of fruit and vegetables available to low-income residents in Barron, Buffalo, Chippewa, Dunn and Eau Claire counties. Approximately 180,000 pounds of produce is anticipated to reach 9,000 individuals in 3,000 households.

School District of Menomonie: Partners for Resilience, $24,000

Students in grades seven through 12 will receive mental health education and skill development to meet identified mental health needs of school-age children. School and community personnel also will be trained to teach information focused on resiliency, youth development, brain development and stress reduction.

Stepping Stones of Dunn County: Project Share a Meal, $20,000

This is an expansion of an existing program that provides weekend meals to children at risk for hunger when school meals are not available. The number of schools receiving meals will be expanded, and meals will include at least two pieces of fresh produce.

The 2017 grant application process will open in March.

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